Lion's Mane

Latin Name: Hericium erinaceus
Family: Hericiaceae

Part used: Fruiting body
Energetics: Warm, bland, nourishing
Iris: All types
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Avoid use in pregnancy
Asthma and other allergic conditions.

ACTIONS

Adaptogen
Antioxidant
Antidiabetic
Antineoplastic
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antibacterial (H. pylori, MRSA)
Hypoglycaemic
Hypolipidaemic
Antidepressant
Anti Fatigue
Hypotensive
Nervine
Cardioprotective
Hepatoprotective
Nephroprotective
Neuroprotective
Regenerative.

Main Constituents

Hericenones and erinacines
Erinacines (increases Nerve Growth Factor and crosses the blood-brain barrier to boost the production of neurons).
Antioxidants
Beta glucans
Alpha-glucans
Polysaccharides
Polypeptides.

Main Uses

Digestive System: Heartburn, GORD, Dyspepsia, Gastritis, Bloating, Crohn’s, Colitis, Irritation of the bowel
Bacterial, Viral and Fungal Infections: Helicobacter pylori
Mental/Emotional: Depression, Anxiety
Nervous system: Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Improves memory, Dementia, MS
Endocrine: Menopause, Hot flushes

More About Lion's Mane

Lion’s mane, historically known as an edible mushroom, was given its name due to its white, fluffy appearance, resembling the long tresses of a lion.
Hericium erinaceus grows in a formation that resembles a giant snowball and is sometimes referred to as monkey’s head, old man’s beard, hedgehog mushroom or pom pom.
Ongoing research supports the use of Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom as part of a management regime for multiple sclerosis (MS). Lion’s Mane is neuroprotective, it helps to regenerate myelin, repair damaged nerves and support nerve regeneration.
Lion’s mane contains hericenones and erinacines which stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) These proteins support the growth and survival of both developing and mature neurons.
Hericenones have been found to benefit nervous tissues and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (supplementation has improved cognitive function). Studies also support use of Lion’s mane for nerve pain and neuropathies.
Lion’s mane contains polysaccharides and polypeptides which have been seen to enhance and regulate immune function. It also modulates the gut microbiome and supports the integrity of the intestinal mucosa.

Recipes:

Lion's mane crab cakes

This recipe uses lion's mane mushrooms as a substitute for crab meat, offering a delicious and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional crab cakes.

Ingredients:

944g of Lion's mane mushrooms, shredded
118g of Breadcrumbs
31g Mayonnaise (or vegan mayo for vegan crab cakes)
31g of Finely chopped green onions
31g of Finely chopped bell pepper (optional)
31g of Chopped fresh parsley
1 Large egg (or egg substitute)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2–3 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
1/2 cup Breadcrumbs or panko for coating
Oil for frying (Olive oil, canola oil, ghee, and peanut oil are good options)

Method:

Clean the lion's mane mushrooms and shred using your fingers or a fork to create a crab-like texture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ingredients until they are evenly distributed.
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and form it into a patty. (The recipe should create 8 to 10 patties.)
Spread additional breadcrumbs or panko on a plate. Gently press each patty into the breadcrumbs to coat both sides.
Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve the Lion's Mane Crab Cakes with your choice of sauce, such as tartar sauce or lemon aioli.

Lion's mane mushroom pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz Lion's mane mushrooms, sliced
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1 Small onion, chopped
118ml of Heavy cream
8 oz Pasta of your choice
118g of Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Method:

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, sauté sliced lion's mane mushrooms with minced garlic and chopped onions over medium heat until tender and lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese has melted, and the sauce has thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta until well-coated.
Serve with fresh parsley or basil garnish.

References

Cognitive Function

Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus
MMSE alone showed that oral intake of H. erinaceus significantly improved cognitive functions and prevented from the deterioration. We speculate that various chemical compounds, including hericenones, in the mushroom have multiple effects to the brain neural networks and improve cognitive functions. Oral intake of H.erinaceus is safe and convenient method for dementia prevention so far.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31413233/

Neuro-Health Promoting Properties

Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines
Preclinical studies have shown that there can be improvements in ischemic stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression if H. erinaceus mycelia enriched with erinacines are included in daily meals.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29951133/

Neurite Outgrowth

Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia
In conclusion, the aqueous extract of H. erinaceus contained neuroactive compounds which induced NGF-synthesis and promoted neurite outgrowth in NG108-15 cells. The extract also enhanced the neurite outgrowth stimulation activity of NGF when applied in combination. The aqueous preparation of H. erinaceus had neurotrophic but not neuroprotective activities.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24266378/

Depression/Anxiety

Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake
Our results show that HE intake has the possibility to reduce depression and anxiety and these results suggest a different mechanism from NGF-enhancing action of H. erinaceus.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20834180/

Mental Disorders

Potential Antidepressant Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis, Hericium erinaceus and Rhodiola rosea
These three traditional folk medicinal herbs target the main biochemical events that are implicated in mental disorders, mimicking, to some extent, the mechanisms of action of conventional antidepressants and mood stabilizers with a wide margin of tolerability. In detail, they rescue alterations in neurotransmitter and neuro-endocrine systems, stimulate neurogenesis and the synthesis of neurotrophic factors, and they counteract oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32178272/